Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE

POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Vice President, Conservation Law & Director of Biodiversity Law Center

SALARY: $210,000 - $229,000

FLSA: Exempt

DEPARTMENT: Biodiversity Law Center

LOCATION: Washington, D.C., Denver, CO, or remote

REPORTS TO: Senior Vice President, Conservation Programs

NUMBER OF DIRECT AND INDIRECT REPORT(S): 7 Direct, 8 Indirect

LAST REVISED: November 2025

POSITION SUMMARY

The Vice President of Conservation Law and Director of Biodiversity Law Center is a senior management position responsible for developing and implementing strategies for furthering Defenders’ conservation goals through litigation, administrative law, and policy advocacy. The position requires extensive knowledge of federal environmental, natural resources and administrative law, and substantial litigation experience. Primary responsibilities include developing and implementing litigation to further Defenders’ conservation goals, supervising Defenders’ litigation program, managing senior attorneys, providing legal and strategic advice to Defenders senior staff, and serving as in-house counsel on conservation related legal and policy matters.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• As a member of the senior leadership team, actively engage in the development and implementation of Defenders-wide strategies in support of the broader organizational culture.
• Develop and implement strategies to advance Defenders’ conservation goals through litigation, legislative analysis, and policy advocacy
• Supervise senior attorneys, review legal pleadings and briefs, provide advice on legal strategy
• Manage, hire, evaluate and promote the professional development of Conservation Law staff
• Serve as in-house counsel to Defenders’ staff on conservation related legal and policy matters
• Serve as primary liaison with Litigation Committee of the Board of Directors
• Actively participate in the development and advancement of Defenders' wildlife and natural resources conservation policies
• Maintain effective working relationships with key government agency administrators, congressional staff, and other conservation organizations
• Develop and oversee legal budget
• Some travel required
• Perform all other work-related duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Juris Doctor degree with bar membership in at least one state

Experience: 15 years of experience in federal natural resource/environmental law and litigation; 7+ years management/supervisory

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.

-skills-and-abilities

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for V.P., Conservation Law

1. Extensive knowledge of federal natural resource and environmental law
2. Extensive litigation experience, particularly in the federal courts
3. Experience managing attorneys
4. Experience managing a litigation docket
5. Ability to develop litigation, advocacy and policy strategies
6. Commitment to public interest law

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Activities

Check all that apply

Frequency

(N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)Constantly

Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.

N

Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.

N

Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.

C

Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.

O

Adjusting or moving objects up to 10 pounds in all directions.

N

Communicating with others to exchange information.

C

Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.

C

Operating machinery and/or power tools.

N

Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.

N

Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.

C

Environmental Conditions

Check all that apply

Frequency

(N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)Constantly

Low temperatures.

High temperatures.

Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.

Noisy environments.

Hazardous conditions.

Poor ventilation.

Small and/or enclosed spaces.

No adverse environmental conditions expected.

C

Physical Demands

Check only one

Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.

X

Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds.

Medium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds.

Heavy work that includes moving objects up to 100 pounds or more.

Visit to apply.

All employees are required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities of their positions. The essential duties and responsibilities listed above are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Defenders of Wildlife provides equal employment opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, veterans' status or and any other legally protected class, characteristic or trait per applicable federal, state, or local law.

Please be advised this position is non union-eligible.

Job Tags

Similar Jobs